New York Giants sign OLB JT Thomas

Thomas, a 2011 5th round pick, played 202 snaps in his first 3 seasons in the league before being forced to make 10 starts in 2014 because Paul Posluszny missed significant time with a torn pectoral. He predictably struggled, grading out as Pro Football Focus’ 55th ranked middle linebacker out of 60 eligible, with no one playing fewer snaps at the position and grading out worse. For whatever reason, the Giants are giving him a 3-year, 12 million dollar deal with 4.5 million guaranteed in the first season, paying him like a starting linebacker and naming him a starter at outside linebacker. They had a need at the position, but this isn’t the right move.